Is the GS850G up to this?

[shirazdrum]

Thanks for all the info guys, keep'em coming.
If you had a choice between the years, what year 850 would you pick? i noticed that you mentioned that 81+ had some issues with splines on the shaft. were the older ones better?

Thanks

[Big T]

While some years have a more durable spline, I'd consider spline replacement a necessary pretrip item. Better to have a good one in there before you leave than find it's worn out in Guatamala.

The only other consideration I would have is getting an early model with VM carbs. Less likely to have problems far from home.

[makenzie71]

Me...all other things being equal...I would take the 850 because of maintanance concerns...there's just less of them...but it really depends on the general health of both bikes.

However, before planning trips to Southern North America and South America, I strongly suggest people read this:

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136505

Read all of it.

[atb1998]

cb 750 or 850 suzuki

It depends on the year of the Cb750 Honda. they actually had a very long production from 1970 to 1978 (SOHC engines) From 1979 to I think 1987( DOHC engine), The nighthawk 750 being the last of them which was a VERY relieable bike and still very easy to find parts for. Someone mentioned earlier about a cb 900 being expensive. they are since they had a relatively short of only 5 yrs and 2 models the cb 900 F and cb 900 c which some, but not all of the parts interchange, since one is a shaft and the other a chain. I think if i was worried about the bike breaking down in a foriegn country and having to find parts, i would take the honda. If not i would take the suzuki. Even locally a DOHC honda is way easier to find parts for than an 850 suzuki. Now a 750 or 1000 suzuki is a different story

[jbs80106]

A read in advance of your road trip...

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=366117

This is my DREAM!!!!!

[terrylee2u]

Me...all other things being equal...I would take the 850 because of maintanance concerns...there's just less of them...but it really depends on the general health of both bikes.

However, before planning trips to Southern North America and South America, I strongly suggest people read this:

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136505

Read all of it.

Wow.. that is such a sad thing...

[duaneage]

I've taken both apart and the GS is built better, easier to work on, and the exhaust last forever compared to the early hondas. As long as you are not looking at harlys you should be oK with either choice.

With a few things like Intake boots, carb cleaning, RR replacement and the aforementioned rear spline greasing the 850 is pretty much indestructible. You'll have to clean carbs on the Honda as well and it doesn't have nearly the brakes the GS does, something to consider with luggage and a fairing.

The 850 was a favorite touring bike in Europe for years, so much so dealers assembled them from parts after they were discontinued. For real touring look for a GS1100GK with the factory bags and fairing setup.

[cruz del sur]

I know that this is a GS forum and I’m not questioning your patriotism toward this bike but do you honestly think that this machine (GS850G) is capable of such a trip?

Hi Chris, I will be doing the same trip in the future. As for the capability of the 850 doing that trip (I have the the same one, 1980) I have no doubt that it will make it. Just make sure you get it tip top.

I have been planning this trip for some time now. If you want to I could pass you some info I have collected (I am planning doing it through the west side in South America) You can just PM me if you are interested.

Good luck in your trip

[rustybronco]

If you had a choice between the years, what year 850 would you pick?

1979, or a 1980, or a 1981, or a 1982 or a 1983... heck get a few of them to be safe.

I know I’m in a right place and people I can count on for information when I break down some where south of the border.

when? how about if.

[salty_monk]

The year doesn't really matter but Post 80 with the CV carbs I think you'll get a smoother more relaxed ride.

Pre 81 splines are tougher but Suzuki still sell spares.

79 will likely be points - upgrade to Dyna S for $120.
80 will be part electric with mechanical advance (similar to Dyna S). Igniter box can go bad - replace with Dyna S if it does.
81 - not sure, could be as 80 or as 82.
82 - Fully electronic incl advance unit. Can go bad. If it does you need a Dyna 2000 or a Dyna S with the mechanical advance unit off the earlier model.

The igniters don't go bad often on the post 80 models but it's not unheard of. I had one go bad on mine.

Personally I would choose what I have... a 1980 GS1000G upgraded to a Dyna S ignition.

Dan

[hampshirehog]

There's only 2 classic Jap bikes I would use for a long trip like this: a GS or a Honda Cub. Of course, the GS does have one advantage over the Cub......

[shirazdrum]

Thanks a lot guys for all the information so far. I read the ADVR story of the guy. That was just sad. Animals are unpredictable; you just don’t try to go around them in a two-lane road that fast. I hope he’s doing better.

Well I found a nice bike with 25,000 miles on it. It’s in a prefect shape(so he says) ; no rust anywhere and no dents at all. No oil leak starts right up and it looks very good. (It’s not in my state so I haven’t ridden it). He’s asking $1500 firm.
It’s an 81 GS850L that already has case guards and a luggage rack.

Is it a good deal or should I keep looking? How much is too much?

Regards,
Chris

[C.V.]

I hope he’s doing better.

Sorry to say, he commited suicide last year.

[shirazdrum]

Sorry to say, he commited suicide last year.

That’s just terrible. We do things that change our lives and those around us forever. I read the first few pages and how he was full of adventure, riding the trip of his lifetime. My heart goes out to his family.

[Steve]

Well I found a nice bike with 25,000 miles on it. It’s in a prefect shape(so he says) ; no rust anywhere and no dents at all. No oil leak starts right up and it looks very good. (It’s not in my state so I haven’t ridden it). He’s asking $1500 firm.
It’s an 81 GS850L that already has case guards and a luggage rack.

Is it a good deal or should I keep looking? How much is too much?

Regards,
Chris

For that much money, it had better be almost in showroom condition.
Case guards and rack are definitely nice additions, but don't add much, if any, to the book value of the bike.
Many good bikes can be found for less than $1000.

Do you have any pictures of the bike that you can post for a better evaluation?

.